Diamond

Mineral Category: Gemstone

Overview: Diamond has been the most valuable among gems for more than 2,000 years. Diamond occurs in two types of deposits, primarily in igneous rocks of basic or ultrabasic composition and in alluvial deposits derived from the primary sources. Its composition is pure carbon and has cubic crystal system and common form octahedron. India is known for its diamond cutting & polishing business especially for small-sized diamonds. Most of the world's diamond cutting and polishing business comes to India, particularly to Surat in Gujarat. India depends largely on imports of rough gem diamonds for its Cutting and Polishing Industry as there is no notable production except for two producers in Madhya Pradesh whose limited production is too sparse to meet the Cutting and Polishing Industry's requirements. The cut and polished diamonds are predominantly re-exported.

Key Uses & Industries Served:

• Stone cutting and polishing machines
• Manufacture of Drill bits, grinding tools

Importance to Infrastructure / Economy: Diamonds are vital to the global economy and industry, contributing roughly 7% to India's GDP, supporting 5 million jobs, and dominating industrial cutting/drilling due to their unmatched hardness. As the world’s largest processor, India cuts 85-92% of diamonds by volume, while Botswana and Russia dominate raw production. The rise of lab-grown diamonds is adding significant value.

Projects Overview: CMDC is actively pursuing the exploration of diamond prospects in the State of Chhattisgarh and is expected to make a significant contribution to both the State and Central Governments. CMDC in joint venture with NMDC holds a diamond license named as Baloda Belmundi Block, Mahasamund District. Currently exploration work is being carried out for identifying potential zones of diamond in the block.